President Hichilema Lays His First Wreath At Freedom Statue

President Hakainde Hichilema on Sunday morning led members of the diplomatic corps and defence chiefs in laying wreaths at the freedom statue in remembrance of the heroes and heroines who lost their lives in the fight for Zambia’s independence.

This was President Hichilema first wreath laying as republican Head of State after winning the August 12, 2021, general elections.

The President arrived at the freedom statue at 09:20 hours local time and was received by Defence Minister Ambrose Lufuma.

The wreath laying ceremony was accompanied by the music of the defence wings and preaching of God’s word.

Later in the morning a 21-gun salute was performed by the Zambia Army Second battalion in honour of the fallen freedom fighters.

Before departing for the Embassy memorial park for another commemoration event, President Hichilema took some time to interact with the members of the diplomatic corps, freedom fighters and residents who were present at the wreath laying ceremony.

The focus of this year’s ceremony was on “Celebrating a New Dawn Anchored on Good Governance, National Unity and Development.”

During the sermon to mark the 57th independence commemorations, Apostle Vincent Mwenya, Chaplain General in the Ministry of Defence, urged Zambians to strive to work hard for Mother Zambia.

Apostle Mwenya emphasized the need for the Zambians to be industrious and contribute to the prosperity of the country. He encouraged citizens to reject all forms of idleness and to embrace hard work.

The chaplain ended his sermon by calling on Zambians to collectively work hard in order to attain economic emancipation for Mother Zambia.